Means for making articles having a polygonal cross section or the like



June 23, 1942.

R. A1 wlLgc'ox n MEANS FOR MAKING ARTICI'JES HAVING A POLYGONAL CROSS SECTION OR THE LIKE Filed Nv. 1o, 1941l June 23, 1942. R, L w|| cox f MEANS FOR MAKING' ARTICLES HAVING A POLYGONAL CROSS SCTION OR THE LIKE Filed Nov. 1o, 1941 s sheets-sheet y2 ATTORNEY June 23, 1942; R. L. WILCOX 2,287,214 MEANS FOR MAKING'ARTICLES HAVING A PoLYGoNAL cRoss 'sEoTroNoRTH'E LIKE Filed Nov. 1o', 1941 s sheets-*sheet s INVENTOR Patented June 23, 1942 UNITED STTE MEANS FOR MAKING ARTICLES HAVING A POLYGONAL CROSS SECTION OR LIKE THE

tion of Connecticut Application November 1o, 1941, serial No. 418,600

Z Claims.

'I'his invention relates to `means and method t of making articles having a polygonal cross section or the like, particularly nut blanks.

A principal object of the invention is to improve theV conventional means and method of fabricating such articles, whereby a better product will result, and the possibility of injury to the incomplete article during any of the several stages through which it passes during its fabrication, as well as the tools, is reduced to the minimum. Another object is to provide for means' that will shape the exterior of the article and will also permit the ejection of the shaped article therefrom in a relatively central position and with the minimum pressure against the perimeter thereof. A further object is to provide i for a 'free movement of the article from its conning walls, as it is being withdrawn with a tool after being subjected to an operation thereby. A further object is to insure the correct action on the slug immediately after being cut from the article. A further object is to produce nut blanks having a hole, to be later threaded, extending only part way through the blank, rather than entirely through the blank, as is commonly done.

A still further object being to producenut blanks such as a nut blank, having a hexagonal cross Y section, but not limited thereto, or to other shape. This new and novel means and method is shown and described as associated with a header, upsetting machine or the like, but it is equally adapted for use with a power press or like apparatus.

In the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals of reference indicate like parts in the several iigures;

Figure 1 is a sectional view 0f the applicable portion of a header, upsetting machine or the like, particularly associated with this invention, the parts in section at station 3 being taken generally upon line I--I of Figure 2;

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional plan view of the forming mechanism at station 3;

Figure 2a is a perspective View of a portion of a forming member and one of the forming dies.

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional plan View of the cluster die and associated mechanism at station 5, the parts in section at station 5 being taken generally upon line IA-IA of Figure 3;

Figure 3a is a perspective view of a portion of the cluster die mechanism and one of its dies;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of a portion of the cluster die mechanism, the parts in section being taken upon a plane coincident with the axis of the punch pin.

Figure 5 is a view of a vblank as 'cut from a rod at station I or otherwise produced;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of the blank as shaped at station 2;

Figure 7 is a sectional View of the blank as produced at station 3;

Figures 8 and 9 are similar views of the blank as produced at stations 4 and 5;

Figures -10, 11 and 12 are views of vother forms of nut blanks that may be produced by the means and method herein -disclosed Figure 13 is a fragmentary sectional view of the tools for producing a nut blank, generally described as an acorn nut, such as illustrated in Figure 11;

Figure 14 is asimilar view of the tools for producing a nut blank, generally described as a special high nut,.such as illustrated in Figure 12;

Figures 15 to 18, inclusive, illustrate the several shapes-of a blank, after successive operations thereon, in the fabrication of the so-called acorn nut, as shown in Figure 11; and

Figures 19, 20 and 21 are similarviews `of the fabrication of the so-calledspecial high nut.

In the drawings, the numeral I0 designates the frame vor body of a header, upsetting machine or similarV apparatus; I Ia die block; and I2 a backing plate. -A gate 29, carrying a plurality of tools, which cooperate `with those in the die block II, has .a reciprocating movement toward and away from the die block in a well known manner. Within the die block -II are a plurality of tools spaced apart at stations severally designated I to 5, inclusive. At station I is a cut-or die I3, guide quill II and collar I5, through which is intermittently fed a wire rod M. A cut-oit knife I6, actuated by mechanism (not shown) of 'conventional construction and operation, moves across the face of the die I3, and severs the projecting end ofthe rod I4 to form a blank I8.

The rod I4 is intermittently moved in the direction of its length beyond the face of the die I3 by feed mechanism (not shown) of well known construction and operation. The blank I8 so severed is carried by the knife I6, or other means, to the tools at station 2.

Fixed in the die block II at station 2 is a heading die I9, having a recess or cavity 25 in the face thereof. Movable in the die I9 is a pin 2|, the outer end of which forms a bottom for the recess 25 when the head 22 thereon is in engagement with the backing plug 20, and is moved in one direction by a spring 23. After the blank has been subjected to pressure at this station, within the recess 25 or the like, itis ejected therefrom by a knockout pin 2'I into the path of the transfer mechanism (not shown) but which may be any one of many such mechanisms, and carried to station 3.

Fixed on the gate 29 is a punch block 39, within which is secured a plurality of punch holders 3|, 32, 33 and 34, spaced so that the centers thereof are substantially coincident with the centers of the tools at stations 2 to 5, inclusive. Each punch holder at its rear end is in engagement with a backing plate 35.

Movable in punch 39 in the punch holder 3| is a pin 31, having a head 38 at its rear end, which determines its forward position and also enoages a stop pin 39 within a recess in the punch. Between a backing plug 40 and the head of pin 39 is a spring 4| which exerts its tension so as to move the pin 31 to its forward position.

Rearward movement of pin 31 is limited by the engagement of pin 39 with the backing plug 49. In operation the pin 31 pushes the blank I8 out of the cut-off knife I5 and into the recess 25 in the face of the forming die I9. The knife I6 returns to its initial position preparatory to cutting off another blank and transferring it to station 2, as before.

The blank 24 as shaped at this station is shown in Figure 6, its exterior conforming with the shape of the recess 25, and a depression is formed in each end by the tips of the pins 31 and 2|. As so shaped the blank has an enlarged band portion ||8, a chamfered portion H9 upon one side thereof, and an annular portion that is substantially the same diameter as the blank I8 upon the opposite side, with a rounded edge.

The face of the punch 36 is recessed at H6 around the opening therethrough and whereby the chamfer ||9 is formed on the blank.

The annular or lower portion of the blank forms the collar of the finished nut, and the cylindrical band portion is reshaped into an hexagonal exterior.

At station 37the die unit consists of a body member 42, which is threaded into the die block with its rear end in engagement with the backing plate l2 and having an opening 43 therethrough. In the wall of this opening, at its outer end, are a plurality of radial slots 44, the bottom of each of which is at an angle to the axis of the body member.

Within the opening 43 is a movably mounted die member 45, having a head portion 45 that is substantially the same diameter as the opening and provided with a plurality of radial slots 25, the bottom of each of which is at an angle to the axis of the die member 45. In the embodiment herein the slots 44 and 26 are six in number, which are equally spaced about the center and register with each other. The side walls of the slots 29 are provided with. die grooves 28.

Securely held within the head portion 46 of the member 45, concentric with the axis thereof, is a die 55, having a recess or cavity in its outer face that is substantially the same size and shape as the annular portion of the blank 24.

Included in the unit at this station are a plurality of pressure dies 49, one for each of the polygonal faces on the perimeter of the nut. Each die has a flat pressure face 5l) with a fiaring throat face |91 at its upper end, a rearwardly flaring cheek 5! upon each side thereof, and a cam portion 48 with a cam face at each end that projects laterally from each side of the pressure die 49 and a groove 52 is in the outer wall of an upwardly projecting portion upon the top of the die. One pressure die 49 is movably mounted in each of the radial slots 25 and 44 when in register with each other, with the lips |99 within the grooves 2S in the walls of the slots 29. Thus, the pressure dies may move both perpendicularly to the axis of the die member and parallel therewith. The pressure dies 49 are moved toward their common center until the cheeks 5| of each die are in engagement with similar cheeks upon the adjacent dies by engagement of the outer angular walls of the depending portions 48 with the angular walls of the slots 44 in the body member 42. When in this position the open space or cavity between the faces 59 of the pressure dies is polygonal and substantially the same shape in cross section as that of the polygonal portion of the nished nut, being closed upon all sides with the opening at the top bellmouthed and daring outwardly and in register with the recess in the die 55.

A garter spring 53 encircling all of the pressure dies 49, resting in the grooves 52, exerts a uniform, constant, limited pressure upon each die 49 to move it toward their common center.

A ring 54 fixed on the body member 42 prevents movement of the pressure dies in one direction when a face thereon engages said ring.

(Fig. l)

Within the punch 59, fixed in the punch holder 32 is a pressure pin 51, the head 58 of which determines its forward position and also engages a backing pin 59. Between the backing plug 69 and pin 51 is a spring 5|, which exerts its tension to move the pin 51 forwardly.

The blank 24, after transfer from station 2 to station 3, is projected into the cavity between the pressure faces 59 of .the dies 49 by the pin 51. When so presented, the several members of the forming tools at this station are in the relative positions, substantially as shown in Figure 1. Neither of the cam faces upon the cam portion 48 of the pressure dies 49 is in contact with the adjacent angular walls of the slots 25 and 44, there being a slight open space therebetween. The pressure dies are held in their innermost position under tension of the garter spring 53, at which time a flaring .throat at the open end of the hexagonal space between the inner faces thereof is formed by the angular faces |91. At this station the blank first engages the angular walls |91 of the dies, moving the dies radially outwardly against the pressure of the garter spring 53 until the blank drops into the hexagonal space between the dies and comes to rest with the annular portion on the underside thereof within the recess or cavity. The punch 56 now engages the outer faces of the pressure dies 49, which moves the same and the member rearwardly against the pressure of the spring 41. The pressure dies 49 move inwardly toward their common center by reason of the engagement of a cam face on the cam portion 48 with the angular wall of the slots 44 and thereby squeezing the cylindrical band portion ||8 of the blank (Fig. 6) into a hexagonal form, as shown in Figure '1, when the punch 59 has reached its forward position. This punch now recedes and the hexagonally shaped nut remains in the cavity between the pressure dies 49. The garter spring 53 by a limited pressure holds the pressure dies 49 in their innermost position, with the faces 5|] thereof in engagement with the hexagonal perimeter of the blank.

The blank (Fig. 7) is projected outwardly from between the dies 49 into the ngers of the transfer mechanism, now in alignment therewith, by a knockout pin 62, having a bushing 83 at its rear end, and between which and the member 45 is a spring 64, which exerts its tension to hold the knockout pin in its retracted position. An eject-ing movement is given ythe knockout pin 52 by a knockout rod B5, which during its forward movement engages the bushing 63. The blank (Fig. 7) is now transferred to station 4, where it is pushed out of Athe transfer means into an hexagonal recess 68 in the forming die 69 by a punch 96 that is in engagement with a backing plug lil, and mounted in the punch holder 61.

The cross sectional shape of the tip of the punch 66 and the outer end of the recess 68 is the same as that of the polygonal portion of the linished blank, as illustrated, hexagonal, and whereby the blank and the lower portion of the recess or cavity is substantially the same size and shape as the annular portion of the blank 24. Thus the blank is molded -into its nished exterior shape with enlarged depressions in each end thereof, formed by the tip IH of the punch 65, and a similar tip upon the end of the pin 13. The blank as shaped at station 3 has a chamfered top face and a V-shaped depression in each end (Fig. '7). With relatively hard metal the corners of the cavity of the squeeze dies are not always filled out sharply, but are left slightly rounded. At station 4 the irregularities in the blank, if any, are eliminated, the pressure upon the blank being suicient to cause the metal to iiow outwardly completely filling the cavity and producing sharp corners at the junction of the faces of the polygonal cross section. The top of the blank is flattened with a sufficient chamfer around its edge. After withdrawal of the punch 68 the blank (Fig. 8) is ejected from the recess 51:3 by knockout mechanism, comprising a rod l2, pin i3, between which and the rod 12 is an intermediate pin 1d. A compression spring 75 surrounds the knockout pin 13 and exerts its tension so as to move the knockout pin rearwardly after the pressure of the knockout rod 12 has been withdrawn. On the intermediate pin 'ill is a bushing 1S, which forms a guide therefor, and an enlarged head for engagement with the knockout rod 12. The forming die 69 is mounted in sleeve 7l, within which is a cylindrical backing block 18. After being ejected from the tools at station 4, the blank is transferred to station 5, where a hole is punched therethrough and the blank (Fig. 9) completed. At this station is a cluster holding die, which comprises in part a body member 89, with an enlarged head, held in the die block Il by any preferred means, to which is secured a segmental plate 8l by the screws 82. Within the member 89 is a movable die holder 83, in the outer end of which a die 34 is fixed, and adjacent thereto an annular groove 85.

The outer end of the bore of the member 8.9 is provided with angular T-slots 85. Slidable within each of these slots is a T-headed die 81 having a ilat inner face 88. As illustrated there are six of these dies, corresponding with the number of polygonal faces on the finished nut. Each die is formed with a lip H2 that projects into the groove 85, and thus provides an operative connection between the dies and `die holder 85. When in their inner position, the face 88 of each die is Yin contact with the hexagonal face of the blank and function merely to hold the blank in position. Therefore, there is an open space between each die and those adjacent thereto, illustrated in Figure 3, rather than in contact with each other, as with the pressure dies 49, as shown in Figure 2. While this open space is desirable, it is not essential. It may be reduced by substituting a thinner backing plug 90, or

eliminated entirely by not using a backing plug. In this latter case the innermost position of the dies is determined by their contact with each other.

Threaded into a die holder 83 is a hollow sleeve 89, and between the head thereof and the backing plug 98 is a spring 9| which holds the die holder 83 in its retracted or withdrawn position, with the dies 81 in their cloned position, substantially as shown in `Figure 3,

A piercing punch 92, the operative end of which is substantially the same diameter as that of the hole in the finished nut, is held in a sleeve 9.4 in the punch holder 93 and backed by plugs 95 [and 96. This piercing punch in rear of its operative or piercing end is slightly smaller in diameter to facilitate piercing the hole in the blank and withdrawing the punch therefrom. Under the pressure of the piercing punch the metal of the blank has a tendency to flow outwardly. 'Ihis is resisted by the dies 87, the angular walls of which are in engagement with the angular walls of the T-slot 88. Thus the exterior form of the blank is preserved and held against distortion.

Through the piercing die 84, and at a right angle to the axis thereof, is a pinch pin 97, preferably, but not necessarily, having a pointed inner end and a head 98 at its outer end that limits the extent of movement thereof in one direc- Through one wall `of the member 89, and bearing against the head of the pin 9T, is a pressure pin 99, which is moved inwardly by any convenient means. As shown, this mechanism comprises a rock arm |90, actuated by a reciprocating rod IUI, and having an adjustable screw E82,

which engages a plunger 199, surrounded in part by a spring I 08 in contact with the pressure pin 99.

As the slug H9 (Fig. l) cut from the blank by the piercing punch, leaves the blank, the pressure pin 99 is moved forward under the action of the mechanism described and its inner end is pressed against the slug, holding it against movement. When so held, the slug cannot be drawn back into the hole in the nut with the return of the piercing punch and the nished blank thereon.

After the piercing punch 92 is withdrawn, pressure upon the pin 99 is released and the slug is Vfree to travel through the hole 193 in the die holder 83 and the opening HI, through which it drops by gravity into a receptacle arranged to receive it. The slugs are pushed through the hole |03 by succeeding slugs as they are cut from succeeding blanks.

If the dies 81 maintain the same relative position as above described during the withdrawal of the blank, the tendency would be to break off the piercing punch 92. If this occurs the blank will be left in the dies with no means of withdrawing it. The same situation would result if the punch instead of .breaking off pulled out of the blank, .as it would be quite apt to do, as the area of friction on the blank against the dies 8l is greater than against the punch. These and other difficulties are overcome in this invention through movement of the dies away from the blank, sufficient to relieve the friction thereon, permitting the blank to be withdrawn without friction upon any part thereof. This limited outward travel of the dies is accomplished by movement of the die holder B3 under the withdrawal pressure or pull of the piercing punch 92, which, as soon as it is applied moves the die holder 83 outwardly against the tension of the spring 9|. During this action the dies 81 ride against the angular walls 86 and travel away from their common center until stopped by engagement of a shoulder on one or more of the dies with a segment stop plate 9|. All pressure upon the outside walls of the blank now being relieved, it is withdrawn with and on the punch. This radial outward movement of the dies is merely suilcient to remove the friction thereof against the walls of the blank. As soon as the blank is withdrawn from the dies the spring 9| returns the die holder 83 and the dies 81 to their former innermost positions.

The blank after being pierced is carried rearwardly on the piercing punch and stripped therefrom by its .engagement with a stripper bushing |04 within a bracket |95 adjustably secured on the frame I0.

When the piercing punch 92 is withdrawn the dies 81 move slightly outwardly, that is, just enough to free the blank and allow the same to be withdrawn from the cavity between the dies and to remain on the piercing punch until stripped therefrom.

Figures 10, 11 and l2 illustrate some of the duce the acorn shape blank I I4, shown in Fig- L ure l1. The heading die I9 at station 2 receives the cut-olf blank and is provided with a cavity, into which the blank is projected by the pin 31. This cavity is shaped so that the blank is formed with a band portion H8 that is substantially the same diameter as the cut-off blank I8. Upon the top side of the band portion is a charnferecl or conical section H9 formed by the recess |19 in the punch 35, an annular portion |29 and a lower conical portion |2I. The blank as so formed and shaped, illustrated in Figure 15, is then presented to the tools at station 3. At this station the conical portion |2| and the annular portion |29 are in the cavity of the die 55. The squeeze or pressure dies 49 then function as before described, giving the exterior of the band portion H8 a polygonal form hexagonal in the illustrations, without disturbing the shape of the portions of the blank within the cavity of the die 55. This blank, so shaped, and illustrated in Figure 16, is then presented to the tools at station 4. The upper portion of the cavity in the forming die 69 is polygonal in cross section and the lower portion cylindrical in cross section, i

annular portion |20 and conical portion I2I flows under the pressure of the punch |22, filling the rounded cylindrical bottom of the cavity and giving that portion of the blank a, domed shape at the same time the tip |23 forms a recess |39 in the blank, and the metal in the band portion I I8 flows upwardly but still conned within the cavity in the die S9. The blank as so formed and illust-rated in Figure 17 is then presented to the tools at station 5, where it is projected into the cavity in a die I3| held in a sleeve |32. The tip |24 on the punch |25 in the sleeve 94 has a flat end face that gives the hole |39, formed by the punch |22 its finished shape and size. In this operation the metal displaced by the punch ows upwardly, forming a longer face on the polygonal portion and reducing in height the chamfered portion H9. The blank as thus shaped is ejected from the die I3I by the knockout pin |33, and is illustrated in Figures 1l and 18.

In Figure 14 there are illustrated the tools utilized to form a blank, shaped substantially as shown in Figure 12. Station I, where the blank is cut from the rod, is omitted. In the fabrication of the blank I8 to produce such a completed blank (Fig. 12), the first operation is by the tools at station 2. The blank |8 is projected into the cavity in the heading die I9 and the band portion |29 with an adjacent chamfered portion 21 formed upon one end thereof under pressure of the punch 39. Preferably, but not necessarily, the body 28 of this blank is substantially the same diameter as the blank I8, The blank so shaped, illustrated in Figure 19, is presented to the tools at station 3, with the body portion |28 in the cavity in the die 55. The squeeze dies 49 at this station shape the collar portion |26, as heretofore described for other blanks at station 3. The flow of metal by this die pressure does not change or distort the shape of the body portion |28, which is conned within the cavity in the die 55. The blank so shaped, illustrated in Figure 20, is presented to the tools at station 4. The metal displaced by the punch I 29 flows upwardly, extending the height of the polygonal band portion and reducing the height of the chamfered portion |21, producing the nished blank, substantially as illustrated in Figure 2l.

A hole may be formed in the blank in the manner set forth in relation to the blanks shown in Figures 17 and 18, or they may be made solid (Fig. 21) and the hole drilled therein, which ever may be the most convenient or desirable. If the hole is to be drilled a ldepression |34 is preferably formed in either one or both ends, as may be desirable, by the pressure and knockout punches, as shown at stations 2, 3 and 4, of Figure 14.

By the method and tools shown herein a nut or similar blank is produced, part hexagonal and part cylindrical, the cylindrical portion being held against distortion or metal flow, while another cylindrical portion, by means of pressure against the walls thereof, is reshaped into a polygonal cross section.

The disclosure herein is given merely as one embodiment of the present invention, which is not to be considered as limiting the invention, the scope thereof being determined by an understanding of the present disclosure as one embodiment thereof and as particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having a plurality of pressure dies aranse/,214

ranged about a common center; positive means for moving the dies toward said common center; and independent means applying pressure to said dies to move the same toward said common center.

2. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having a plurality of pressure dies arranged about a common center; means for moving the dies toward said common center; and

encircling resilient means applying pressure to said dies to move the same toward said common center.

3. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having a plurality of pressure dies arranged about a common center; means for moving the dies toward sai-d common center; and a garter spring engaging all of said dies and applying pressure thereto to move the same toward said common center.

4. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having a plurality of dies arranged about a common center; means, as a transient member for moving said dies away from said common center; positive means for thereafter moving said dies toward said common center and shaping the l.

exterior of the transient member between the inner faces thereof; means for electing the transient member from between said dies; and resilient means for holding said dies against said transient member while being ejected.

5. In mechanism of the character described;

a die unit having a plurality of dies arranged about a common center and when adjacent thereto the inner faces thereof surround a chamber formed thereby, each die having a flaring wall at one end of the inner face thereof, which flaring walls form a throat for said chamber; a transient member for moving said dies away from said cornmon center by engagement with said flaring throat; means for thereafter positively moving f the dies toward said common center and applying pressure to the walls of the transient member and thereby shaping the exterior thereof; ejecting means for moving the transient member out of said chamber; and independent means applyfor moving said dies away from said common center, said dies having an intermeshing engagement with one of said positive moving means; and independent means that exerts a pressure upon said dies to move the same toward said common center.

7. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having a body member with an opening therethrough and a plurality of radial slots therein; a plurality of dies, one in each of said slots; a second member movable within the opening in the body member and having a plurality of radial slots corresponding in number and position with the slots in the body member, all of said slots having inclined bottom walls; a plurality of dies, each having a portion thereon with oppositely disposed cam faces, one die being movable within each of the registering slots in the body and second member; a punch movable into and out of engagement with the dies, and when in engagement therewith moving the dies axially in the body member and causing them to travel toward their common center by the engagement of the cam faces thereonwith the angular Walls in the body member; and independent means engaging each die and exerting a pressure thereon that tends to move the dies toward their common center.

8. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having a body member with an opening therethrough and a plurality of radial slots therein; a plurality of dies, one in each of said slots; a second member movable within the opening in the body member and having a plurality of radial slots corresponding in number and position with the slots in the body member, all of said slots having inclined bottom walls; a plurality of dies,

each having a portion thereon with oppositely disposed cam faces, one die being movable within each of the registering slots in the body and second member; a punch movable into and out of engagement with the dies, and when in engagement therewith moving the dies axially in the body member and causing them totravel toward their common center by the engagement of the cam faces thereon with the angular Walls in the body member; and independent means engaging each die and exerting a pressure thereon that tends to move the dies toward their common center, said dies being positively moved away from their common center by the second member by engagement of the cam faces thereon with those on the second member.

9. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having an opening therethrough and a plurality of radial slots therein; a plurality of dies, one in each of said slots; a second member movable within the opening in the body member and having a plurality of radial slots corresponding in number and position with the slots in the body member, all of said slots having inclined bottom walls; a plurality of dies, each having a portion thereon with oppositely disposed cam faces, one die being movable within each of the registering slots in the body and second member, said cam faces upon the dies projecting into said slots and in one of the relative positions of the body and second member having radial movement therebetween.

10. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having an opening therethrough and a plurality of radial slots therein; a plurality of dies, one in each of said slots; a second member movable within the opening in the body member and having a plurality of radial slots corresponding in number and position with the slots in the body member, all of said slots having inclined bottom walls; a plurality of dies, each having a portion thereon with oppositely disposed cam faces, one die being movable within each of the registering slots in the body and second member;

and stop means for Llimiting the movement of the second member relatively to the body member, said dies being movable radially independently of said member at said limit of movement of the second member.

11. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having a body member with an opening therein, in the walls of which are a plurality of radial slots with angular bottom walls; a second member having a plurality of slots which register with those in the body member, these slots having guide grooves in the side walls thereof a plurality of dies mounted in said radial slots and movable toward and away from the center of said members, having intermeshing engagement with the grooves in the second member; and means for actuating the second member axially in one direction, thereby imparting movement to the dies.

12. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having radially movable dies therein; a piercing punch; means for actuating the punch, whereby it will pierce the blank held in the cavity between said dies; a contact member mounted in said unit; and positively actuated means for actuating said contact member, whereby it will engage and hold the slug cut from the blank, said means being timed so as to engage the slug as it is cut from the blank and released after the punch has been withdrawn.

13. Mechanism for producing a nut or similar blank having a portion thereof substantially cylindrical in cross section and another portion substantially polygonal in cross section comprising in part a die to receive one end of a cy1in drcal portion of a workpiece, in which the workpiece is held rigid during the upsetting thereof, and a squeeze die that applies pressure to the workpiece outside of the die and without disturbe ing the metal of the cylindrical portion.

14. Mechanism for forming a nut or similar blank, comprising in part, a cavity die that receives a portion of the blank, and squeeze dies that apply radial pressure to the cuter wall of that portion of the blank not within the cavity, reshaping the same, and without disturbing the shape of that portion of the blank within the cavity.

15. The combination with a squeeze die having a plurality of pressure dies that move toward and away from a common center, of a cavity die adjacent thereto, the cavity therein being substantially an extension of the open space between the inner faces of the pressure dies.

16. The combination with a squeeze having a plurality of pressure dies that move toward and away from a common center, of a cavity die adjacent thereto, one face of which forms the noor of the opening in the squeeze die between the inner faces of the pressure dies.

17. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having an outer member, an inner member movable within the outer member, each member having oppositely disposed slots with inclined bottom walls; a plurality of pressure dies arranged about a common center, each pressure die having a portion thereon that projects into two of said oppositely disposed slots when in register with each other and having an intermeshing engagement with one of the members at an angle to the side walls of the slots.

18. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having an outer member, an inner member movable within the outer member, each member having oppositely disposed slots with inclined bottom walls, the slots in the second member having a guide groove in a wall thereof; a plurality of pressure dies arranged about a common center, each die having a portion thereon that projects into two of said oppositely disposed slots when in register with each other and having an intermeshing engagement with the said guide groove.

19. Mechanism for producing a nut or similar blank having a portion thereof substantially cylindrical in cross section and another portion substantially polygonal in cross section, comprising in part, a cavity die to receive a cylindrical portion of a workpiece, and a die that reshapes that portion of the workpiece outside of the cavity die by the application of pressure to the workpiece, substantially perpendicular to its length and without distortion of the metal within the first mentioned die.

20. Mechanism for producing a nut or similar blank having a portion thereof substantially cylindrical in cross section, and another portion substantially polygonal in cross section, comprising in part companion tools, one of which has a cavity that in cross section is substantially the same size and shape as one end of the workpiece, and another tool having a cavity of variable size; and mechanism for actuating the last mentioned tools whereby the size of the cavity will be reduced and pressure applied to the workpiece perpendicular to the length of the cavity and thereby change the shape of the workpiece outside of the rst mentioned cavity, and without distortion ofthe shape of any other portion of the workpiece.

21. Mechanism for producing a nut or similar blank having a portion thereof substantially cylindrical in cross section and another portion substantially polygonal in cross section, comprising companion tools that form an enlarged portion on a cylindrical workpiece; a die having a cavity, into which is projected that portion of the 4workpiece having a lesser diameter; and a die that applies pressure to that portion of the workpiece having a larger diameter at substantially a right angle to its length and without distortion of the metal within the said cavity.

22. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having an outer member and an inner member movable within the outer member, each member having oppositely disposed slots with inclined bottom walls; a cavity die in one end of the inner member; and a plurality of pressure dies arranged about a common center and movable across the face of the cavity die, each pressure die having a portion thereon that projects into two of said positively disposed slots when in register with each other.

23. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having an outer member and an inner member movable within the outer member; a cavity die in the inner member; and a plurality of pressure dies arranged about a common center, each pressure die having engagement with the inner member whereby one face thereon will move radially in substantially the same plane as the exposed face of the cavity die.

24. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having an outer member, an inner member movable within the outer member, each member having oppositely disposed slots with inclined bottom walls; a plurality of pressure dies arranged about a common center, each pressure die having a portion thereon that projects into two of said oppositely disposed slots when in register with each other and in some of their relative positions being out of contact with the bottom walls of said slots.

25. In mechanism of the character described; a die unit having an outer member and an inner member movable within the outer member, each member having oppositely disposed slots within inclined bottom walls; a cavity die within one end of the inner member and a plurality of pressure dies arranged about a common center movable across the end of the second member and held against axial movement relative to the second member.

RICHARD LESTER WILCOX. 

